2016 Favorites

Marrow – Tarryn Fisher
No list for me would be complete without this book. After I finished F*ck Love, I had to get my hands on everything Tarryn had ever written. Marrow not only took the top spot of my favorite book of 2016, but of my favorite book of all-time. I can’t say enough good things about it. Though, I will probably never write a review on it, because it will never live up to my expectations or properly convey what I want to express. It was written so beautifully and I connect so personally to the dark subject matter within. “Baby, I’m crazy.”

Mud Vein – Tarryn Fisher
I’ve never read anything like Mud Vein, before or since. It was one of the deepest and most soul-searing books I’ve ever encountered. The entire time, the reader is questioning “What the Hell is going on??” After Mud Vein, I wanted to crawl into Tarryn’s mind and live there.

In This Life – Christine Brae
I have never in my life been so utterly devastated and broken over a book before. Which obviously means, you’d better get your hands on it immediately. Ugly cry times infinity. Not to mention, Christine’s writing is exquisite, and her heart is even more stunning. I can’t wait for her release of 8 Goodbyes in 2017, it’s sure to be incredible.

It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
No list would be complete without IEWU. I wish I could somehow let Colleen know how deeply this book affected me. As someone who suffered through a similar situation as the main character, Lily, I had never before read words to communicate so clearly the feelings I felt during that time in my life. It is a serious Girl Power book I wish every woman would read.

From Sand and Ash – Amy Harmon
I could list every Amy Harmon book here, but her newest release takes the top spot as my favorite of hers. I’m in awe of Amy’s writing, research, and the depth of the story and the characters she created. This book features one of the most romantic albeit devastating scenes I have ever read. Even if you are not a history buff, this book begs to be read, for the sake of the humanity it captures.

A Different Blue– Amy Harmon
Blue’s story of redemption was something that felt personal to my own life in some ways. I loved her resilience and her inner voice throughout the story. I can’t forget to mention Darcy, he was one of the best book boyfriends ever written, without a doubt.

A Place in the Sun – R.S. Grey
I’ve never been so easily transported to a different location without my feet ever leaving the ground. R.S. Grey captured the essence of Vernazza so perfectly while crafting an exceptionally sweet story with perfect pacing from hate to love.

Get in the Car, Jupiter – Fisher Amelie
This book came at a perfect time for me. I was depressed with what I had been reading and needed something happy, stat! Jupiter was one of the most fun characters I’ve ever read-I’m still hoping she exists somewhere and wants to be my best friend. I’ll settle for Fisher herself. 😉 Plus, I love a good road trip, especially one in a muscle car.

Midnight Lily – Mia Sheridan
I really love books with characters that are a little off-kilter. This book had such a dreamy feel to it that was so different from any reality any of us ever encounter. This book was right up my alley.

Archer’s Voice – Mia Sheridan
This is a love story of another caliber completely. It was different, fresh, and easy to love.

Rouge – JR Rogue
JR Rogue has given me the ability to love poetry again this year. I related to so many of her poems in Rouge. This is a book I will read again and again.

Introvert Power – Laurie Helgoe
My favorite non-fiction book of the year was easily Introvert Power. I have been employing a great many of the strategies found within the pages of this book, and feel more confident in my life as a proud Introvert.

Wild – Cheryl Strayed
Since I am currently unable to take six months to a year off from adulting, I found this book to be the perfect fix for my need for Wanderlust. I really hope to be able to discover books of a similar nature to this one in 2017.